routing a slot with a straight router bit


Learn how to cut a centered slot through a thick workpiece without needing an extra long router bit to extend through the entire workpiece.

As long as your router bit can cut at least half the thickness of the workpiece, you can cut these centered slots without buying an overly long bit.


Video: Routing Slots Through a Workpiece - Video Transcript

Chris Marshall: Every now and then, I need to cut a centered slot through a thick workpiece. In this case, a bolt is going to go through this slot. I cut these slots at my router table with a straight bit. You don't need an overly long bit to cut through a thick workpiece like this. Here's the trick. I've got my router table set up here to make the slot cuts. I've marked the cutting limits of my bit on the router table with a piece of tape.

For each bit height setting, make two passes instead of just one, flipping the workpiece end for end and keeping the same edge against the fence. This way, you can cut the slots in from both faces to speed the process along. Remember, make sure to keep the same edge against the fence. As long as your bit can cut at least halfway through the thickness of the workpiece, you can cut these through slots without buying an overly long bit. I'm Chris Marshall with Woodworker's Journal Magazine. Thanks for watching.